Principal Applied Psychologist

NHS; Worcester; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A large healthcare provider in Worcestershire is looking for a Practitioner Psychologist to lead a specialist clinical psychology service. This role includes assessing and treating children with diabetes and cystic fibrosis, along with providing supervision to other psychologists. The ideal candidate will have doctoral-level training and a commitment to professional development in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Benefits

Flexible working

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Experience in psychological assessment and treatment of children and families.
• Autonomy within BPS/HCPC guidelines.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead a specialist clinical psychology service to the Diabetes and Cystic Fibrosis Service.
• Provide clinical supervision and line management to other psychologists.
• Contribute to service evaluation and policy development.

Skills

Psychological assessment

Clinical supervision

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Doctoral level training in Clinical Psychology

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Practitioner Psychologist to provide expert professional and clinical services for childrens services at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. This is a replacement post for a greatly valued team member. We are searching for an exceptionally talented and inspirational individual with a commitment to excellent care, to bring a fresh perspective and cutting edge thinking to help drive forward our childrens strategy.

The post holder will lead a specialist clinical health psychology service to the Children’s Diabetes and Cystic Fibrosis Service in Worcestershire, to address the psychological needs of children and young people and their families. This will include specialist assessment, treatment, planning, implementation and monitoring of outcomes, focusing on identifying and treating psychological and emotional issues associated with diabetes and cystic fibrosis. This expansive role provides a strategic opportunity to develop, implement and evaluate the psychology service for children and their families with complex needs, within a multi-disciplinary environment.

We would be delighted to meet or speak with prospective applicants to discuss the post and to meet current team members prior to interview. Please contact Dr Heidi Napier, Lead Consultant Clinical Psychologist, on 07874 642290.

Main duties of the job

You will join a growing team of psychologists providing a specialist clinical health psychology service to people receiving care from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. The post holder will provide clinical supervision and line management to other qualified clinical psychologists, assistant psychologists and trainee clinical psychologists as required.

The Clinical Psychologist will lead a specialist clinical psychology service to the Diabetes and Cystic Fibrosis Service in Worcestershire, addressing the psychological needs of children, young people and their families. This includes specialist assessment, treatment, planning, implementation and monitoring of outcomes, focusing on identifying and treating psychological and emotional issues related to diabetes and cystic fibrosis. The role also provides a strategic view on development, implementation and evaluation of the psychology service for children and families with complex needs, working within a multi-disciplinary environment. The post holder will provide consultation, advice and training as appropriate to other members of the service and work effectively within the multi-disciplinary health team. The post holder will contribute to service evaluation, audit, research and policy development.

About us

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides local and regional services. The Trust operates from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester and employs over 7,000 staff dedicated to patient-centred care. Our values emphasize openness, care, respect and diversity, and the Trust supports flexible working as a flex-positive employer.

Details

Date posted: 30 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 8b

Salary: £64,455 to £74,896 a year Pro Rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working

Location: Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, WR5 1DD and The Alexandra Hospital, Redditch, B987UB

Reference: C9365-25-0851-2

Job locations: Worcester and Redditch, Worcestershire

Job responsibilities

Key relations

Internal: Chief Nurse/Divisional Directors, Deputy Chief Nurse, Divisional Directors of Nursing, Midwifery, Consultants, Medical staff, AHPs, support workers, Finance, HR, Clinical Governance, Patient Experience teams, and service users.

External: Primary Care, Education Groups, Social Care, Worcestershire services and other relevant organisations.

Role summary: The Clinical Psychologist will lead a specialist clinical psychology service to the Diabetes and Cystic Fibrosis Service in Worcestershire, addressing the psychological needs of children, young people and their families. This includes assessment, treatment, planning, implementation and monitoring of outcomes, and contributing to service development within a multi-disciplinary team. Teaching, training, supervision, management, policy development, research, audit and service evaluation are also included.

Clinical duties: Highly specialised clinical psychology services for children and young people and their families, including assessment, formulation, psychometrics, evidence-based treatments, monitoring outcomes, and discharge decisions. Autonomy within BPS/HCPC guidelines and Trust policies; collaboration within the MDT; safeguarding and risk management; communication with families and professionals; and contributing to psychological wellbeing in health care planning.

Teaching, training and supervision: Regular clinical supervision, supervision of other staff, and delivery of specialist teaching and training to staff and external professionals.

Management, recruitment, policy and service development: Lead clinical psychology provision within the diabetes and CF service; line management of other psychologists; identify service improvements; manage workload and contribute to recruitment and service development; engage service users in planning and development.

Research, audit and service evaluation: Coordinate development of clinical psychology within the service; undertake research, audits, and dissemination of findings; support evidence-based practice.

Communication and liaison: Liaise with patients, families and professionals; represent psychology in regional network activities.

Clinical governance and professional responsibilities: Maintain CPD; stay updated on professional practices and legislation; uphold DBS requirements; ensure safe and effective practice.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Essential: Doctoral level training in Clinical Psychology as accredited by the BPS/HCPC; two or more distinct psychotherapies; knowledge of psychopathology, psychometrics, neuropsychology; lifespan development; HCPC registration; postgraduate CPD.
• Desirable: Additional training in a specific therapeutic approach (e.g., motivational interviewing, solution-focused); training related to physical health conditions.

Personal qualities

• Essential: Flexible, collaborative, leadership ability, willingness to travel across the county, commitment to ongoing professional development, good IT skills, interest in service development.

Other requirements

• Essential: Willingness to undertake training; ability to travel; complaints management; performance management; DBS clearance; Occupational Health compliance; eligibility for UK registration.

Experience

• Essential: Psychological assessment and treatment of children and families in mental/physical health settings; supervision and training; service development; multi-disciplinary working; clinical record-keeping and outcome monitoring; experience with emotive cases.
• Desirable: Paediatric or physical health setting experience; group work; specialist teaching.

Skills / Knowledge

• Essential: Doctoral-level research methodology; psychometrics; advanced knowledge of at least two therapeutic models for children/adolescents in health settings; health psychology models; relevant legislation; diversity awareness; strong written/verbal communication; independent autonomous practice with supervision; teamwork; CPD track record; ability to give constructive feedback.
• Desirable: Advanced clinical skills in paediatric medical settings.

Disclosures

• Disclosure and Barring Service check is required; Enhanced DBS for roles involving children or vulnerable adults.

Equality and diversity

• Promotes inclusive recruitment; expanded Guaranteed Interview Scheme available for eligible BAME, Disabled and LGBT+ candidates; declare eligibility during application.

Additional information

• UK registration: Current professional registration required; references NHS Careers site.
• Contact for queries: Rob Saunders (HR Manager - Recruitment) via email in confidence.